Japanese soccer star who bowed his head was arrested on charges of sexual assault 11 days after entering Europe'Shock'→ Release after two weeks"I'm really sorry to the victim"
Jul 29, 2024
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After his release on the 29th (Korea time), Sano said through his agency, "I sincerely apologize for causing great damage to the victim by my actions. He also bowed his head, saying, "I apologize to fans, supporters, and officials for betraying expectations."
On the 14th, Sano was arrested by police on charges of sexually assaulting a woman in her 30s along with her friends, Tayki Yamamoto and Hayato Takehuchi, sparking controversy. According to investigators, the three perpetrators are accused of sexually assaulting the woman at a hotel in Bunkyo-gu after her friend left home around 2 a.m. after having dinner with the victim and her friend in Roppongi district, Minato-gu, Tokyo.
It happened exactly 11 days after leaving Kashima Antlers and signing a four-year contract with Mainz to achieve his first overseas expansion in his career. Mainz immediately responded on social media to the incident when the Japanese media reported it to the public, saying 'We are trying to figure out the exact circumstances'. Sano was in custody when Mainz players such as Lee Jae-sung joined the team one after another for the pre-season and built themselves.
Tsuneyasu Miyamoto, president of the Japan Football Association (JFA), said on the matter, `I think we need to educate the national team players again. I'll do my best." Tokyo police did not say whether Sano admitted the charges.
Sano, a defensive midfielder, was first selected for the Japanese national team in November last year and played four A matches.
Sano, who made his professional debut with Machida Zelvia in 2019, joined J-League Myeongga Kashima in 2023 and played as the main midfielder for a season and a half.
In the upcoming season, he will work with Lee Jae-sung, Mainz's flagship offensive midfielder.
yoonjinman@sportschosun.com
